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Primary Healthcare Professionals' Knowledge and Attitudes Towards Meningococcal, Rotavirus, and HPV Vaccines in
Eren Yıldız1, Rukiye Ünsal Saç2, Hilmi Onur Kabukçu1
1Department of Pediatrics, Kastamonu University Faculty of Medicine, Kastamonu 37150, Turkey.
Insights
Primary care professionals show varied knowledge and attitudes towards childhood vaccines like meningococcal, rotavirus, and human papillomavirus. Training is recommended to improve vaccine recommendation confidence and address concerns about knowledge gaps and side effects.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Vaccinology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Childhood immunization is crucial for preventing infectious diseases.
- Primary care providers play a vital role in vaccine recommendation and administration.
- Understanding healthcare professionals' knowledge and attitudes is key to improving vaccine uptake.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the knowledge and attitudes of family physicians and health personnel regarding meningococcal, rotavirus, and human papillomavirus vaccines.
- To identify factors influencing vaccine recommendation in primary care settings in Turkey.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 700 healthcare professionals (family physicians and family health personnel) in Turkey.
- Data collected via an online questionnaire on Google Forms.
- Analysis of knowledge, attitudes, and reasons for vaccine recommendation or non-recommendation.
Main Results:
- Rotavirus vaccine was most recommended (84.3%), while human papillomavirus vaccine was least recommended (47.6%).
- Family physicians showed higher recommendation rates for meningococcal and HPV vaccines compared to family health personnel.
- Lack of knowledge, high cost, and side effect concerns were barriers to vaccine recommendation.
Conclusions:
- Targeted training is essential to enhance healthcare professionals' knowledge and confidence in childhood vaccines.
- Training curricula should consider factors like age, occupation, region, and experience.
- Improved understanding of vaccine efficacy and safety can increase willingness to recommend vaccines.
Abstract:
Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge and attitudes of family physicians and family health personnel who are responsible for childhood vaccination services in primary care regarding meningococcal, rotavirus, and human papillomavirus vaccines. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted between October 2021 and January 2022. A total of 700 healthcare professionals from all geographical regions in Turkey were included in the study. The participants filled out an online questionnaire consisting of 39 questions created with Google Forms. Results: Of the participants, 340 (48.6%) are family physicians, and 360 (51.4%) are family health personnel. Most participants are from the Marmara region, Turkey's most densely populated region. The most recommended vaccine among the participants was rotavirus (84.3%), while the least recommended vaccine was human papilloma virus (47.6%). The number of family physicians recommending meningococcal and human papilloma virus vaccines was significantly higher than that of family health personnel (p < 0.001). Furthermore, there was a statistically significant correlation between seeing a patient with these viruses in one's professional life or considering the severity of these three diseases to be severe and recommending these vaccines (p < 0.001 for both). However, lack of knowledge about vaccines and doses, the high cost of vaccines, and concerns about side effects were among the reasons for not recommending vaccines. Conclusions: Healthcare professionals involved in childhood immunization should be trained to increase their knowledge and awareness on this issue. The training plan and curriculum should take into account the issues raised in our research, such as age, occupation, region of residence, and professional experience. In general, knowledge about the efficacy and safety of vaccines will help healthcare professionals develop their confidence in vaccines and willingness to recommend childhood vaccines to others.
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